The atmosphere at the Martial Practice Grounds was heavy.
Dozens of torches burned along the edges, casting alternating light and shadow across solemn faces.
Xu Zhouling, master of the Star-Picking Sect, stood outside the Listening-Tide Courtyard with the three court heads, Wen Qingye, Lei Xiao, and Yi Nanping.
Below them, nearly twenty Transformation Force elders and stewards from the four courts stood in solemn ranks on the Martial Practice Grounds.
"Chief Envoy Shen."
As Shen Xiuhan approached, a clear female voice rang out from the crowd.
The woman who spoke had sharp features and eyes brimming with killing intent. A short sword hung at an angle from her waist, and her bearing radiated martial vigor.
She was Wang Yan, deputy envoy of the Law Enforcement Hall!
Beside her stood a plump, middle-aged man with an amiable face. Yet his bearing was as deep as a still pool and as imposing as a mountain, commanding awe without anger.
He was Pang Hai, the Law Enforcement Hall's other deputy envoy!
Shen Xiuhan stepped forward and exchanged nods with them, then turned to nod in greeting to Wen Zheng and several Transformation Force stewards from Listening Spring Court.
They waited for roughly half the time it took to drink a cup of tea.
Yi Suxin, Di Nian, and Zheng Ce, the chief disciples of the three courts, arrived one after another, along with several Transformation Force stewards stationed at the sect's properties in the prefectural city. They took their places, bringing the ranks into order.
At the front, Xu Zhouling stepped forward, his face as still as deep water. He spoke without preamble:
"Since everyone is here, I'll keep this brief!"
"Tonight's operation is at the invitation of Elder Feng Buting of Azure Radiance Manor. Together with the Prefectural Governor's Office and Qingyuan